SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher has confirmed striker Sam Dalby is close to joining Wrexham.

The 22-year-old forward missed Friday’s 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace's under 21 team at Roots Hall.

And Maher revealed Dalby will soon complete his switch to the favourites for the National League title.

“It’s well documented Wrexham have come in for him,” said Maher.

“He’s in the last year of his contract which makes it difficult.

“But with the greatest respect we can’t compete with what he knows he can earn there and it looks like it will probably happen I guess.”

Dalby scored 10 goals in 47 appearances for Blues last season but the transfer could include a striker joining from Wrexham, with Jake Hyde believed to be the man in question.

“Hopefully there’s someone coming this way but we’re still short,” said Maher.

“We’ve been chasing someone all summer to come up with Cards (Harry Cardwell) and Murph (Rhys Murphy) out injured.

“Even when Dalby was here we were still looking so I would say we need a couple in.

“We’ve tried in the summer and it hasn’t quite happened but we know what we need to do.”

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